Described as a plug not properly inserted to the wall socket causing a break in electrical circuit. When this circuit disconnect happens in a person it’s called a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). It is likely fatal if no one is around to start resuscitation. Once you have had a Sudden Cardiac Arrest, it will likely lead to having an ICD implanted in you chest. Normally a person having a heart attack will remain consciousness and be able to tell you what is happening while a person having a SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST is not conscious. Sudden Cardiac Arrest & ICD Implant
While a Heart Attack is said to be a plumping problem, a Sudden Cardiac Arrest is an electrical problem.
Although the risk rise sharply with age, this “silent killer” can happen to anyone from the very young to the very old. Studies report the SCA takes the lives of more than 1,000 people a day without discrimination. This killer has received the most attention among young athletes running to the goal line. Without warning the person drops like a stone and minutes matter. Many public places in Canada and throughout North America have installed Automated External Defibrillator (AED). It is everyone’s responsibility to know where they are and how to get to it in case of an emergency.
Warning Signs
Often we ignore the subtle signs that happens about a week before the real attack. Some suffer from flu-like symptoms such as nausea and vomiting while others have chest pain and shortness of breath. Most ignore the early signs, thinking them insignificant and many never recognize them as a problem. Having low potassium and magnesium could be a common thread in those that have had a SCA.
Arrhythmia’s
A heart arrhythmia occurs when the heart rhythm beats too fast or too slow. Slower heart rate, under 60 beats per minute, called bradycardia. The danger is that not enough oxygen rich blood will get to the brain. Heart beats over 100 beats per minute it is referred to as tachycardia. This is an electrical problem. It can put the heart in a rhythm that can cause Sudden Cardiac Arrest, a stroke or death. One of the most serious forms of heart irregularities is a ventricular fibrillation, that causes the lower section of heart to stop blood flow to the brain and without immediate attention death is imminent.
Medical Intervention
When medical intervention is immediate the chances of survival increase substantially. The first step is to call 911 immediately so help will be on the way and begin CPR immediately. Send someone to find the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and continue with CPR until the medics take over. An estimated 95% of those with SCA never make it to hospital. Once an electrical shock is applied, the heartbeat returns to normal and there is little or no damage to the heart muscle. Our brain dies within 4 to 6 minutes and the chances of survival increase by 20% with CPR, this is a reason why everyone should know CPR.
Internal Cardiac Defibrillator
This is the type of cardio defibrillator and heart pacer that I have implanted. Meet my Medtronic. I opted for implantation after having my second SCA within 5 months. Recently, I was lucky enough to have been given a home monitor. It scans my activity every night an notifies the hospital of any unusual activity. There are several brands that your doctor can choose based on his or her preferences. It paces the heart when it’s needed and is ready to shock my heart into a normal rhythm if I get into a tachycardia situation. My family refers to it as my implanted babysitter.
As an added security measure I have a Lifeline service. A service that i pay out-of-pocket for, is for those that cannot call for medical attention in an emergency. Paramedics know how to get into my home, what to do with the dog and what I would likely need in an emergency.
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest